An associate degree is an undergraduate degree given by universities, technical schools, community colleges and through some online accreditation programs. This degree is the most basic form of higher education, and in turn, is the lowest in the hierarchy among secondary degrees offered. Within the United States, and some schools in Canada, the associate’s degree is on par with the first two years out of four-year college or university degree programs. Other countries have degree programs that are equal to an associate’s degree, such as Britain, where the foundation degree is the same as an associate’s degree. In France, Ireland, Hong Kong and now Australia, there are programs offered that hold the same weight as an associate’s degree.

How long does it take to get an Associate’s Degree?

For most people studying full-time, an associate’s degree is acquired within two years. For students in a typical four-year university, this means that with the completion of both the freshman and sophomore years. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Some college programs take slightly longer than the standard two-year timeframe due to the number of credits required, others may take longer due to prerequisite requirements. This is also true for part-time students. Adversely, students can also get there associate degrees faster. Online courses notably take a shorter amount of time for students to get their associates. Also, some colleges offer expedited programs that allow for faster degree acquisition.

How many credits does it take to get an Associate’s Degree?

Typically, the average amount of credits required for an associate’s degree is 60 credit hours. This is variable. However, as the course of study, school and state requirements could alter this.

What are the different types of Associate Degrees?

Various associate degrees are offered among a wide range of institutions. But there are two separate forms of degrees to choose from, the occupational degree and the transfer degree. The occupational degree is for students interested in a particular field of study. This type of degree is used to prepare students for the work field. This type of degree is most often noted as an AAS degree for the Associate of applied science or associate of arts and sciences. However, students studying for an occupational associate’s degree can often continue education with a four-year college.

The second form of degree is the transfer degree. This degree isn’t work oriented like the occupational degree, and instead prepares students for further education within a desired field. This degree gives students substantial
general background knowledge leading into a four-year program. This can include curriculum such as English, Mathematics and Science.

What subjects of study are available for an Associate Degree?

Associate degrees are available in many assorted areas of study ranging from business and marketing to science and psychology. Popular degree programs include:

  • Accounting
  • Applied Science
  • Business Management
  • Computer Science
  • Cosmetology
  • Culinary Arts
  • Fashion Design
  • Liberal Arts
  • Social Psychology
  • Technology
  • Web Design

These are just a few of the subjects that associate degrees come in. Colleges and universities offer a wide array of programs, and students should research various programs before committing to one.

What options come after gaining an Associate’s Degree?

Some students after receiving their associate’s go on to four-year schools to receive their Bachelor’s Degree, while others jump right into the work force, this in entirely dependent on an individual’s educational pursuits and desires, as well as their personal career goals.

For students interested in transferring their credits to a bachelor’s program, it should be noted that on average another two more years of study are required. Some programs, however, take longer on average, such as architecture.

Students who choose to go right to work will be pleased to hear that many entry-level positions in many fields only simply require an associate’s degree. Having an associate’s degree opens more doors for employment, and as statistics have noted, on average increased their likelihood of employment by up to 30%. Also, many entry-level high paying positions only require applicants to have an associates in a related field.

What is the cost of getting an Associate’s Degree?

This varies based on the tuition of the institution, but is notably lower than bachelor degree programs on a semester-to-semester basis. Depending on the school, there are many finical aid programs available for individuals interested in seeking an associate’s degree. However, online institutions are much lower in cost than the standard campus education, and is a good option for people with limited funds and/or time.